Fallen Angel

The Fallen Angel is very different from other "Angel" family cocktails in that it is very dry and tart. It does have peppermint schnapps like many of its siblings, though. I'd say that Angel drinks have very little in common other than there being some sweet and almost imperceptible element in its flavor profile--that being the Angel.

In this case there is the botanicals of gin and peppermint. With so little peppermint schnapps, there's no sweetness. You get overwhelming amounts of lime acidity and booze. I thought that combination would be unbearable, but this drink demands a second sip. There are delicate floral notes from the gin and bitters that are worthy of note. It's not a terrible drink, it's actually just an squired taste like very tart drinks like the Rickey. If you do chose to make this drink, use a dry gin like Tanqueray, not some low-juniper wet gin from America. You want something dry and firm as the base.

• 2 oz. gin (Tanqueray used)
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 tsp. peppermint schnapps
• dash Angostura bitters
• maraschino cherry

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry. 

Union Jack

The Union Jack is the colloquial word for the British flag. Only a British gin will do for this cocktail! This drink has all the lines of a classic gin cocktail in English style. These usually use a berry or liqueur sweetener, twists, or juices. This one happens to make use of sloe gin, a very English ingredient that lends its bold red color.

• 2 oz. gin (Tanqueray used)
• 1 oz. sloe gin
• 1 tsp. grenadine

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.